A wrong-way driver killed three people, a mother and her two daughters, and himself when he collided with their vehicle at a high-rate of speed on Interstate 505 in Yolo County late Saturday, May 2nd. The victims have been identified as Sofia Ramirez, 38 and her two daughters Alyssa Santiago, 17, and Brenda Santiago, 15, of Arbuckle. The wrong-way driver was identified as Francisco Salazar-Garcia, 36, of Antioch.
The crash occurred on the 505 north near Madison. Salazar-Garcia was driving a Honda Accord south on the northbound side of the freeway at an estimate speed of over 85 miles per hour. He drove right past a CHP officer flashing his lights before striking a Toyota Camry carrying the family of four. The lone survivor of the crash was Ramirez’ husband and the girls’ stepfather, identified as Joaquin Sanchez. Sanchez was taken to Keiser Hospital in Vacaville for his injuries.
Interstate 505 was closed for several hours for investigation and cleanup. Authorities continue to investigate the crash. CHP suspects that Salazar-Garcia was drunk at the time of the crash and is conducting toxicology exams. According to CHP, 61 people were killed last year in wrong-way driving incidents. A previously mentioned state law, AB 162, is under consideration that would study and attempt to prevent wrong-way driving crashes.
